Day 16: Type Unto Others
As we enter our final week of this year’s challenge, we will share email tips and tune ups for you to use to better support teachers with collaborations. Email is quick and convenient, but can also be the source of frustration and miscommunication.
Email Signature
Some organizations have standardized email signatures and some do not. If your organization does not have one, be sure to set yours up in your email to include information that your partners would need to be able to reach you.
Name (first and last)
Title
Email address
Phone
School Name
City, State
Ettiquette
- Use a courteous greeting and closing. “Hey, Whassssuuuup?’ is not appropriate for work.
- Use standard capitalization and punctuation. ALL CAPS IS SHOUTING. all lower case with no punctuation is lazy you are not ee cummings
- Accurate subject line: RAP Match #4354 Smithson and Markeson, NEW DATE and TIME.
- Keep emails brief. If ithe message gets long and convoluted, pick up the phone.
- Check your Trash or Junk folder for messages. Sometimes you will find a legitimate message there.
Top 5 Things That Multiply Email
- Email History not enabled. It is essential to be able to see replies in context. “include original message text”
- Leaving off your time zone. Always state the connection in BOTH times if you are working across time zones. 9:00 Eastern, 8:00 Central
- Open-ended suggestions. What time do you want to test? I dunno. What time do YOU want to test? Doesn’t matter to me. I am available all day on Wednesday. Me, too.
- Vague replies. “I have two teachers who want to connect.” Be specific. Mrs. Jameson would like to connect on Wed, January 15 at 9:00 Central (10:00 Eastern). Mr. Stevenson can connection on Thursday, January 16 at 10:30 Central (11:30 Eastern)
- Coordinating multiple teachers or the same teacher wants to do something twice. Use the last name and the period. (Lim 3rd period and Lim 5th period)
Bottom line: Treat others as you wish to be treated. Be kind. Be respectful.
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